The Best Barrel Jeans From Sustainable Brands (2026)
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Our editors have worn and reviewed sustainable denim for years — these are our favorite brands offering thoughtfully made and size-inclusive barrel jeans.
Barrel jeans are kind of having a moment. The flattering waist, the curved leg, the tapered ankle… they look great with everything from sweaters to T-shirts, and we’ll be wearing them all year long. We looked for the best sustainable barrel jeans that aren’t just great to look at, but are also made with materials and processes that don’t harm the environment. And did we mention they look so good too?
What should you look for in sustainable jeans?
When shopping for sustainable jeans, consider the materials, manufacturing processes, and overall quality. Look for eco-friendly materials like recycled fibers, organic or regenerative cotton, and hemp. Third-party certifications are a great way to verify the brand’s integrity and the materials. Some to look for include GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OCS (Organic Content Standard), GRS (Global Recycled Standard), and OEKO‑TEX for low‑toxicity/harmful‑chemical safety. Also look for brands that use nontoxic dyes and water-efficient processes to help limit pollution and water waste. Many brands on this list specifically outline how they limit waste and water use in their manufacturing processes. Finally, look for jeans that will last. The most sustainable way to shop is to choose items that last longer and stay out of landfills. For denim, look for high-quality materials. Also, follow the brand’s washing recommendations, and only wash your denim as needed. When you do, avoid bleach, use a mild detergent, and air-dry to extend the life of your jeans.
Our criteria:
We’ve worn, loved, researched, and reviewed sustainable fashion brands for almost a decade. These denim brands are our favorites, offering sustainable barrel jeans made to last and fit many different bodies. All the brands on this list meet our sustainable denim criteria outlined below.
- SUSTAINABLE | These brands combine ethics and quality, pushing eco-friendly manufacturing and ethical labor practices, and asking tough questions about supply chains while making your new favorite pair of jeans.
- DURABLE | All of the denim on this list is made to last; that’s part of what makes it so sustainable. A good pair of jeans should last for years.
- SIZE-INCLUSIVE | We’ve included brands that offer a wide range of sizes, so there’s a good fit for anyone looking for new jeans.
Looking for more denim? Read our editor’s review of our favorite ethical denim brands.
1. KOTN
Best For | Organic cotton barrel jeans
Sizing | Women’s 25-32; Men’s 28-36
Prices Starting At | $158
Founded by three friends, Kotn started with the goal of making a perfect cotton T-shirt. The B Corp focuses on natural fibers and building lasting communities with the cotton farmers they work with. The Women’s Philae Denim are Kotn’s version of the barrel-leg jeans. They’re made from 100% cotton and ethically crafted in Turkey. Kotn also has barrel jeans for men: the Men’s Sakkara Denim, also made from 100% cotton and featuring that same light curved shape. Kotn also gives back through The ABCs Project, donating a portion of proceeds annually to fund and build schools in Egypt, where the cotton farms they work with are located.
2. Quince
Best For | Affordable barrel jeans
Sizing | Women’s 23-33
Prices Starting At | $50
Quince jeans are a crowd-favorite for a reason. They’re comfortable, affordable, and sustainable — and they look great! The Bella Stretch Barrel Jeans are only $50, and they’re made from lyocell Tencel and Organic Content Standard (OCS) certified cotton. They’re OEKO-Tex Certified, and hundreds of reviews vouch for their quality and comfort, too. We’ll take a pair (or two), please!
3. Reformation
Best For | Cropped barrel jeans
Sizing | Women’s 23-34
Prices Starting At | $198
Reformation is known for its chic, vintage-inspired, and sustainable designs, and its barrel jeans are no exception. The Tyler Mid Rise Barrel Jeans are a relaxed mid-rise jean with a cropped barrel leg, and we love the sophisticated simplicity of them. They’re made from 80% organically grown cotton and 20% recycled cotton, making for a non-stretch fit that feels good on you and the environment. Ref’s jeans are made in Turkey in factories where employees are paid fair wages. And their eco-friendly processes save thousands of gallons of water. They’re also dedicated to circularity — or Happy Endings as they call it — with free in-store hemming, perks for reselling, and a recycling program.
4. DL1961
Best For | Modern silhouettes
Sizing | Women’s 23-34
Prices Starting At | $249
For a more fashion-forward take on sustainable denim, DL1961 stands out. The brand offers barrel jeans in modern shapes, washes, and fabrics, making it easy to find a pair that feels current without looking like everyone else’s. The brand produces its denim in a family-owned, vertically integrated factory using materials such as recycled and certified cotton, and it also incorporates lower-impact technologies throughout production. DL1961 is especially impressive for water conservation, using about 10 gallons of water per pair compared with the industry average of 1,500.
5. Warp + Weft
Best For | Subtle curve barrel jeans
Sizing | Women’s 24-32
Prices Starting At | $98
Some people don’t want an exaggerated barrel jean shape, and we hear you! For barrel jeans with a more subtle curve, we love Warp + Weft’s BNA Soft Curve Barrel Jeans. The high-rise, vintage-inspired jeans are made from cotton, including some recycled cotton. One thing that’s really cool about Warp + Weft is that the family-owned company uses vertical integration, which means they oversee the entire process of the garments being made, from fiber to the finished piece, ensuring that it’s eco-friendly and sustainable.
6. AGOLDE
Best For | High-rise barrel jeans
Sizing | Women’s 23-34
Prices Starting At | $248
Agolde is a denim label first, so you know there’s a lot of thought and intentionality behind all of their jeans. Their goal is to focus on design, comfort, and sustainability, and they personally test every fit and fabric. Agolde has two barrel jeans designs, both a simple yet classic take on the pants. The Luna High Rise Pieced Taper barrel jeans are high-waisted with a full-length leg and made from a mix of regenerative cotton, post-consumer recycled cotton, and recycled lyocell. The Low Curve Jeans are a more subtle barrel jean, with a mid-rise waist and a relaxed fit. These are made from 100% regenerative cotton for a more rigid material.
7. Just Black Denim
Best For | American-made barrel jeans
Sizing | Women’s 24-31
Prices Starting At | $118
Just Black Denim is an LA-based denim brand dedicated to local US manufacturing and quality craftsmanship. They have several barrel jeans styles, all handmade right in LA. The Classic Barrel Jeans are made from 100% cotton, creating a structured look that holds its barrel shape, giving them a vintage feel. The Utility Seamed Barrel Jeans are a more relaxed, comfort fit, made mostly from cotton but with a touch of Spandex for the slightest bit of stretch. You might notice some variations in the jeans, from length to shading, because they’re handmade.
